Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates among smokers: Data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Objective. Smoking is associated with increased risk for respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in influenza and pneumoccocal vaccination rates exist based on smoking status. Methods. Data from the 2006 Behavior Risk Fact Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to examine Influenza vaccinations among respondents 50-years-old and older (n = 198,500) and pneumococcal vaccinations among adults 65-years-old and older (n =61,894). Differences in vaccination rates were tested among current smokers, former smokers and never smokers using chi-square analyses and multivariate logistic regression models. Results. Current smokers were found to have lower influenza and pneumoccocal vaccination rates compared to former smokers and never smokers in bi-variate associations (p<.01). Current smokers had decreased odds of receiving influenza vaccinations compared to never smokers (O.R. 0.75, 95% C.I. 0.71-0.80), and former smokers had increased odds of receiving influenza vaccinations compared to never smokers (O.R. 1.17, 95% C.I. 1.12-1.22). Former smokers had greater odds of receiving pneumococcal vaccinations compared to never smokers (O.R. 1.32,1.24-1.41). Conclusions. It is important for current smokers to receive both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. Health care providers should assess and advise current smokers to quit, as well as promote receipt of vaccinations among current smokers to help prevent respiratory infections. Published by Elsevier Inc.